VlTLTURID^E.] OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [VULTUEIJSLE. 



Gyps, Sav. 



Fulvus, Gm. 



Sternum similar to Vultur cinereus, but smaller; keel not extending quite to the 

 posterior margin of the sternum. The divisions of the metatarsal bones are not so well 

 denned as in Sarcoramphus ; in other respects very similar. A skeleton is in the Museum 

 of the College of Surgeons. 



Gtpaetos, Storr. 



Barbatus, Linn. 



Cranium much broader in proportion to its width than in Sarcoram/phus. Lacrymal 

 bones short and broad, placed very far forwards. Orbits large, and superiorly much 

 arched ; a very narrow space between their upper edges ; septum perfect, with the excep- 

 tion of a small posterior foramen for the optic nerves ; foramen magnum large, oval, 

 slanting upwards. Atlar tubercle of moderate size, oval. Vertex much arched and very 

 broad, much flattened from the vertex to the insertion of the nasal bones, where there is 

 a deep indentation, from which a longitudinal depression extends to the vertex. Superior 

 axillaries hooked, and only very slightly waved on their edges. Palatine bones extending 

 far backwards, in shape similar to Sarcoram/phus, but with the dependent portion on their 

 internal edges not so highly developed, and gradually diminishing in breadth forwards. 

 Interarticular bones long, straight, slightly compressed, not articulated with the alse of 

 the sphenoid. Condyloid portions of the occipital bone moderately developed. 



Sternum convex ; lower edge of the keel very much rounded, deepest in the centre ; 

 anterior edge receding very much from the manubrial process — much more so than in 

 Sarcoram/phus. Manubrial process triangular ; the lateral margins of the sternum nearly 

 parallel; the posterior margin produced in the centre, and gradually receding in a 

 curved line to two large and externally straight projections; each side of the keel per- 

 forated by two large foramina. 



Furculum, coracoids, and scapula similar in shape to Sarcoramphus. 



The cranium above described was obtained from a skin; the remaining bones are 

 from a bird that died in confinement in this country, and was afterwards stuffed. A 

 perfect skeleton has just been placed in the British Museum. 



Measurements. 



Tenths. 



Length of humerus 83 



Length of ulna 94 



Length of metacarpus 44 



Length of femur 43 



Length of tibia 60 



Length of metatarsus 33 



Length of sternum 



Illustration. 

 Sternum, Plate I. fig. 10. 

 22 



Tenths. 

 Breadth of posterior margin of sternum 30 

 Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 34 



Depth of keel 7 



Length of head 57 



Breadth of head 30 



Length of pelvis 61 



Breadth of pelvis 27 



